The decision bolsters the chances that 15 defendants including former President Donald Trump will face trial this year for attempting to overturn the 2020 election result.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks from a witness stand in front of Fulton Superior Judge Scott McAfee during a Feb. 15 hearing about whether Willis' office should be disqualified from the Georgia election interference case.Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks from a witness stand in front of Fulton Superior Judge Scott McAfee during a Feb. 15 hearing about whether Willis' office should be disqualified from the Georgia election interference case.
McAfee gave prosecutors a choice: If Wade does not resign from the case, Willis must step aside and"refer the prosecution to the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council for reassignment." During a multi-day evidentiary hearing last month, lawyers sparred over when Willis and Wade's relationship began – and over the veracity of their claims that Willis reimbursed Wade in cash.
"Defendants argue that the financial arrangement created an incentive to prolong the case, but in fact, there is no indication the District Attorney is interested in delaying anything," McAfee wrote. And while McAfee made clear the court does not condone"this tremendous lapse in judgment or the unprofessional manner" of Willis' testimony last month, he decided that disqualifying a duly-elected district attorney was not necessary,"when a less drastic and sufficiently remedial option is available."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wade resigns after judge makes it a condition for Fani Willis to remain on Trump caseThe decision bolsters the chances that 15 defendants including former President Donald Trump will face trial this year for attempting to overturn the 2020 election result.
Read more »
Fulton DA Fani Willis or Nathan Wade must step down from Trump case, judge rulesJudge Scott McAfee has issued a ruling on the motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office from the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump and others.
Read more »
Judge rules Fani Willis must step aside from Trump case or fire special prosecutor Nathan WadeFulton County Judge Scott McAfee has ruled in the case to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election interference case against Trump.
Read more »
Fani Willis live updates: Nathan Wade resigns from Trump election case after judge's rulingThis is additional taxonomy that helps us with analytics
Read more »
Fulton County prosecutor Nathan Wade withdraws from Trump case, allowing DA Fani Willis to continueFulton County, Georgia special prosecutor Nathan Wade withdrew from the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants.
Read more »
Nathan Wade steps down after judge rules on Fani Willis disqualification motionsNathan Wade resigned Friday afternoon after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said either Fani Willis or Wade needed to step aside in his ruling on the disqualification motions.
Read more »